Coverage of the Portland Sea Dogs and Red Sox Organization

Results tagged ‘ Eastern League ’

I’m privileged to have Mark Perlman-Price on the broadcast with me this season. Mark can be reached on twitter @mtriplep, and he kicks off our Blog for Thursday. Great research on this project.

Red Sox Well Represented by Former Eastern Leaguers by Mark Perlman Price

As the Red Sox continue to whittle down their roster down to 25 as we approach Opening Day, the team is still well represented by former Eastern League players – and not just ones from Portland.

Back in 2008, David Oritz rehabbed at Hadlock Field. Pablo Sandoval was the catcher.

Of the 32 players remaining on the active roster as of today, 22 of them (68.8%) have seen action in the Eastern League. Of course, the majority of the group consists of former Sea Dogs: 15 of the 22 (68%) former Eastern Leaguers on the Red Sox roster played in the EL exclusively as members of the Sea Dogs. They are: Matt Barnes, Clay Buchholz, Craig Breslow, Justin Masterson, Junichi Tazawa, Brandon Workman, Steven Wright, Xander Bogaerts, Dustin Pedroia, Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley, Jr., Rusney Castillo, Daniel Nava, Hanley Ramirez, and David Ortiz.

But there are also seven players on the Red Sox active roster who are former Eastern Leaguers – some of which came through Hadlock Field wearing the opposing team’s laundry. Let’s take a look at some familiar opposing faces who will likely be wearing the Red Sox uniform this season:

Edwin Escobar

Acquired by the Red Sox in the trade that sent Jake Peavy to the Giants on 7/26/14, Escobar made his AA debut in 2013 as a Richmond Flying Squirrel. He was called up to Richmond from High-A San Jose on July 10th, and in 10 starts for the Flying Squirrels following his call-up, Escobar went 5-4 with a 2.67 ERA in 54.0 IP. He had an impressive K:BB ratio (54:13) and opponents batted just .219 against him. And if you can’t remember seeing him at Hadlock Field, you’ve got a pretty good memory after all. Escobar never did appear in a game for Richmond against the Sea Dogs.

Edward Mujica

As a young pitcher coming up through the Cleveland Indians system, Mujica made his AA debut in 2005 after a call-up to the Akron Aeros (now the RubberDucks), where he happened to be managed by current Red Sox bench coach Torey Lovullo. Pitching exclusively in relief, Mujica finished the ’05 season with a 2-1 record to go along with 10 saves and a 2.88 ERA in 27 appearances (34.1 IP). He struck out 33 and walked just 5. Mujica also helped Akron win the EL Championship

Edward Mujica closed out the 2005 Eastern League Championship for Akron against Portland.

that season, appearing in 6 games during the EL playoffs and posting an impressive 1.35 ERA with 4 saves. During the regular season, Mujica appeared in two games against the Sea Dogs, including an appearance at Hadlock Field on July 16th. In that game, he picked up the save in a 4-1 Akron victory. Jon Lester started the game for the Sea Dogs. And the first batter Mujica faced out of the pen? Hanley Ramirez. Mujica struck him out swinging. Later that season, Akron also faced Portland in the Eastern League Championship Series. Mujica appeared in 3 games and picked up 2 saves. He was the pitcher on the mound when the last out was recorded, inducing a ground out from former Sea Dog Chad Spann to give Akron the 4-1 win and their 2nd EL Championship.

Koji Uehara

Pitching in the Orioles system in 2010, Uehara made the major league club, but was sidelined to start the season by a left hamstring strain (coincidentally, the same injury he’s suffering from now). He had a rehab stint in Bowie where he appeared in 2 games in late April (both against Erie) and allowed no runs on 1 hit in 2.0 IP, walking 1 and striking out 1. Over two years later, in December of 2012, he signed a one-year contract with the Red Sox. The rest is history.

Sandy Leon

The newest member of the Red Sox, Leon saw Eastern League action in two seasons as a member of the Harrisburg Senators while playing in the Nationals organization. He appeared in 135 games over two seasons in 2012 and 2013, hitting .218 with 4 HR and 45 RBI. Leon did face the Sea Dogs twice in August of 2013, but both games were at Metro Bank Park in Harrisburg. He picked up an RBI on a walk facing Miguel Celestino in a Senators 8-0 win.

Brock Holt

Before he was sent to Boston along with Joel Hanrahan for Mark Melancon, Stolmy Pimental, Ivan De Jesus, and Jerry Sands in 2012, Holt was working his way up through the Pittsburgh Pirates system. Over two stints with Altoona in 2011 and 2012, Holt played a combined 234 games for the Curve and hit .302 with 54 2B, 15 3B, 3 HR, and 83 RBI. He was named an EL mid-season All-Star in both 2011 and 2012, as well as a post-season All-Star in 2012, when he led the EL with a .322 AVG and proved to be the 5th-hardest player to strike out in the league (8.47 PA/SO). Holt played three career games at Hadlock Field from 7/28-7/30/11 and went a combined 3-for-11 with a double, RBI, and run scored.

Pablo Sandoval

As a Giants farmhand in 2008, the Panda had quite a year. He began the season playing 68 games for High-A San Jose before being promoted to AA Connecticut of the Eastern League and playing 44 games, then was called up directly to San Francisco, skipping AAA entirely. He ended up hitting .345 in 41 games for the Giants and was also named the organization’s Minor League Player of the Year. His first and only series at Hadlock Field (7/21-7/23/08) was a memorable one: David Ortiz was making a rehab appearance and would be playing for the Sea Dogs in all three games against Connecticut. It was Sandoval who stole the show, however. He posted a season high 6 RBI in a Connecticut 18-6 win on 7/22, going 3-for-7 with a double off Michael James and a home run off of Daniel Haigwood.

Sandoval back in his days in the Eastern League. He’s working on his listening skills.

Shane Victorino

The Flyin’ Hawaiian came up through the Dodgers farm system before being chosen by the Phillies in the Rule 5 Draft in December 2004. After a season in AAA in 2005, he received a September call-up to Philadelphia and hit .294 in 21 games. He ended up making the Phillies’ 2006 Opening Day roster and has been a major leaguer ever since. He has, however, made three different rehab appearances in the Eastern League for Reading, playing a combined 7 games in 2007, 2008, and 2011.

With 7 days until we start at Hadlock Field…We preview possible second baseman in Portland

CARLOS ASUAJE INF/OF @TherealAsuaje20Obtained: Red Sox 11th pick (11th round, 323rd overall) in the 2013 First-Year Player Draft.Highlights: Enters 2015 as the #25 Prospect in the Red Sox system according to Baseball America…In his first full professional season in 2014, hit a combined .310 (149-for-480) with 15 homers and 101 RBI (organizational best) between Low-A Greenville and High-A Salem…Ranked 4th in the organization in homers and 5th in average …Played 2B, 3B, SS and LF…Appeared in 90 games with Greenville and hit .305 (10th in the league) with 11 HR, 73 RBI, 24 doubles and 11 triples (tied for tops in the league)…Was named Greenville Drive Player of the Year and South Atlantic League Mid and Post-Season All-Star…Socked 2 homers on June 7th at Rome…Promoted to High-A Salem on July 19th and hit .323 (50-for-155) in 39 games with the Sox…Hit .342 in August with 3 homers and 20 RBI.

MIKE MILLER INF @mrmiller_2Obtained: Red Sox 11th pick (9th round, 301st overall) in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft.Highlights: Assigned to Portland for his Double-A debut on August 2nd, after beginning 2014 with High-A Salem Red Sox (Carolina League)…Began the season in Extended debut and made his season debut on June 1st…In 49 games (31 at SS, 14 at 2B, 3 at 3B) with Salem, hit .307 (59-for-192), 0 HR, 18 RBI, 8 doubles, 24 runs scored and 7 stolen bases…Hit safely in 18 of 23 games with the Sea Dogs, hitting .301 (28-for-93) with 3 homers and 12 RBI…2-for-2, RBI and 2 walks in his Double-A debut on August 3rd vs. Trenton…First Double-A homer on August 21st at Harrisburg…Career-high 4 RBI (3-for-4, HR) on August 31st vs. Harrisburg…3-for-5 in Game 2 and 2-for-4 in Game 3 of the Eastern Division Championship Series…Following the 2014 season, appeared in three games with Surprise of the Arizona Fall League.

The guy we could see, who’s getting a lot of buzz…

YOAN MONCADA INFObtained: Signed by the Red Sox as an international amateur free agent on 2/27/15.Highlights: The switch-hitting Cuban infielder received the largest signing bonus in MLB history for an international free agent ($31.5 million) and was officially signed by the Red Sox as a minor-league free agent on February 27, 2015…Left Cuba in June of 2014 to pursue his Major League career…In two years (2012-13) with Cienfuegos of the Cuban National Series, hitting a combined .277 (84-for-303) with 4 homers and 28 RBI in 101 games…In 2012, was teammates with Major Leaguers Jose Abreu and Erisbel Arruebarrena.

MLB the Show 15 is out…thanks to Andrea @DreGove for a screenshot playing as the Portland Sea Dogs.

I could go on for hours how appreciative I am of the Portland Sea Dogs, for giving me an opportunity to broadcast their games in 2005. The franchise is first class, and that starts from the top with our ownership group – the Burke Family. Yesterday was big news for the Sea Dogs, as John Smoltz becomes the first Hall of Famer to appear in a game for the Sea Dogs.

I had the pleasure of interview John Smoltz in 2009 and Pedro Martinez in 2013. So blessed! Hot Stove is January 16th – hope to see you there.

Ryan Lavarnway continues his Major League Rehab Assignment with Portland, as the ‘Dogs take on the Binghamton Mets in the middle game of a three-game set on Tuesday night at Hadlock Field…With last night’s win, the ‘Dogs are now 4.5 games over the B-Mets for the top spot in the Eastern League’s Eastern Division.

RHP Luis Diaz tied a career-high with nine strikeouts against the B-Mets at NYSEG Stadium on July 10th, but took the loss, allowing just four runs (three earned) over 5.2 innings pitched.

Congrats to former Fisher Cat Aaron Sanchez on his call-up to the Toronto Blue Jays…Sanchez is expected to work out of the bullpen for the Blue Jays and could make his Major League debut against the Red Sox in tonight’s game.

ESPN’s Keith Law has ranked the Chicago Cubs and the Minnesota Twins as the Top 2 Minor League Systems…This isn’t based on their records, it’s the potential of their prospects.

PART TWO: The Sea Dogs and Binghamton Mets continue their three-game series at Hadlock Field on Tuesday night…Portland has won six straight over the B-Mets in Maine, and eight of their last nine home games…With last night’s win, the ‘Dogs hold a 4.5 game lead over Binghamton for the top spot in the Eastern League’s Eastern Division…If Portland wins this series, they will guarantee a winning record in series at Hadlock Field (currently 10-3-1)…RHP Luis Diaz makes his second start against the Mets and seventh with Portland.

GREAT BATTLE: Portland snapped a 3-3 tie with two runs in the seventh inning and held on for a 6-4 win over the Mets on Monday…Sean Coyle (2-for-5, 2 RBI) gave the ‘Dogs a 4-3 lead with a run-scoring ground out…Portland made it 5-3 when David Chester fanned, but reached base on a strikeout-wild pitch…Stefan Welch added an insurance run in the eighth inning, delivering a two-out RBI single, giving the ‘Dogs a 6-4 lead…RHP Mike McCarthy earned the win in relief, working three innings on three runs (two homers)…1B Ryan Lavarnway went 0-for-4 with a run-scoring groundout.

The Sea Dogs celebrate Independence Day on Saturday night with a doubleheader against the New Britain Rock Cats at Hadlock Field…Last night’s game was postponed due to rain, but the Fireworks were rescheduled on Thursday to tonight, following game two.

BACK HOME: The Sea Dogs were postponed for the 10th time on Friday night, and start a three-game series in two days with the New Britain Rock Cats (Twins affiliate)…Tonight is Portland’s seventh doubleheader of the season – they are 4-0-2…The ‘Dogs swept the ‘Cats in a twinbill on April 18th at New Britain (6-4 and 6-0)…Portland and New Britain play one more series after this three-game set, a four-game series on July 24-27 at New Britain Stadium.

EIGHT WAS ENOUGH: Trenton took the series finale from the Portland Sea Dogs, 8-0 on Thursday night at Arm & Hammer Park…1B Rob Segedin finished 3-for-4 with a homer and 4 RBI…Ben Gamel and Zach Wilson each had 2 RBI…Portland tied a season-low with just three hits – also had 3 hits against Trenton on May 18th at Hadlock Field…LHP Matt Tracy (8-2) tossed five innings on just one hit to earn the win…RHP Mike Augliera (3-7) took the loss, yielding six runs on 11 hits over 4 IP…Michael Almanzar (single), David Chester (double) and Peter Hissey (infield single) had the hits for the ‘Dogs.

MR. BASES LOADED: Chester went 1-for-3 with a double and a walk on Thursday…The first-year Sea Dog has hit safely in 12 of his last 13 games: 15-for-42 (.357), 2 HR, 13 RBI…Chester and Sean Coyle are leading the team with 13 RBI with the bases loaded…Portland stranded the bases loaded twice on Thursday…Coyle hit .348 with 6 homers and 22 RBI in June, and was added the Futures Game (replacing Mookie Betts).

MADE THEIR DEBUTS: RHP Jeremy Kehrt made his 90th career appearance on Thursday night, working a perfect inning…Kehrt spent the first part of the season with the Pawtucket Red Sox (Triple-A)…RHP Pete Ruiz joined Portland from Low-A Greenville on July 2nd – he worked three innings on Thursday, giving up a two-run homer to Segedin.

NO CHANCE NOE: RHP Noe Ramirez made it 9-for-9 in save chances and 14-for-20 in his Double-A career on Wednesday…The righty has been scoreless in 18 of 24 outings and is 1-0-8 with a 0.61 ERA (2 ER/29.1 IP) in his last 16 appearances…Ramirez has given up 8 earned runs on the season – 3 came on April 10th against the New Britain Rock Cats at Hadlock Field.

The Sea Dogs have the second best winning percentage in minor league baseball (see below for Top 5 rankings), and open up an 8-game roadtrip on Thursday night at First Energy Stadium against the Reading Fightin Phils…Portland is 6-4 against Reading this season, but Owens returns where it all began. On Opening Night, Owens tossed a six-inning no-hitter at Reading…Tonight is Portland’s first road game of the second half – and Owens is on the hill. They lefty is 9-3, 1.99 ERA in 14 starts.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN: The Sea Dogs were postponed last night, finishing 4-2 on the homestand…Tonight, the ‘Dogs open up an 8-game roadtrip against the Reading Fightin Phils from First Energy Stadium…LHP Henry Owens made the start on Opening Night in Reading, tossing a 6-inning no-hitter…Tonight, Owens gets the nod in Portland’s first road game of the second half…OF Shannon Wilkerson returns to Portland after hitting .234 in his Triple-A debut with Pawtucket (25 games).

RACKING UP THE K’S: LHP Daniel Norris earned his first Double-A win, fanning 10 batters over 5.2 IP, and leading the New Hampshire Fisher Cats to a 5-1 win on Tuesday night…Norris, who was named to the MLB Future’s Game before Tuesday’s game, yielded three hits and one walk…Portland fanned a season-high 15 times, scoring their lone run in the sixth inning on a bases-loaded HBP from David Chester…RHP Mike McCarthy (6-3) took the loss, giving up four runs on six hits over 4 IP…DH Matt Newman drove in two runs with a homer and ground out for the ‘Cats.

BIG O ON THE HILL: LHP Henry Owens has won five straight and is 5-1, 0.41 ERA (2 ER/43.2 IP) in 7 starts since May 14th…Owens among E.L. Leaders: 9 wins (T-1st), 1.99 ERA (1st), 89 strikeouts (1st), 3 complete games (1st), 2 shutouts (1st), 1.03 WHIP (2nd), .178 AVG against (1st), 9.42 runners-per-9 IP (1st), 9.31 SO-per-9 IP (1st) and 86 IP (2nd)…The lefty has is 12-4, 1.93 ERA in 116.1 innings in 20 Double-A starts…He is 3.2 innings shy of qualifying for the franchise record in ERA, held by Jon Lester for pitchers with more than 120.0 innings pitched…On Tuesday, Owens and former Sea Dog INF/OF Mookie Betts were named to the Sirius/XM Future’s Game.

RANKING THE ‘DOGS: The Top 5 winning percentages in Minor League Baseball: Low-A Savannah 48-25 (.658), Portland 50-27 (.649), Low-A Kane County 49-27 (.645), High-A Dunedin 48-27 (.640) and Double-A Huntsville 49-28 (.636)…The Sea Dogs are 12-9 this month with a .274 team average and a 3.74 ERA.

COYLE CONNECTING AND STEALING: INF Sean Coyle went 1-for-2 on Tuesday night with 2 walks, 2 stolen bases and was involved in both double plays turned by Portland…Coyle is 12-for-12 in stolen base attempts with Portland, and 23 for his last 24, dating back to 2013…He was caught on August 11, 2013 with Low-A Greenville, but when 11-for-11 from April 5-19, 2013 with High-A Salem.

They’ll be calling it the Meneses Mother’s Day Miracle 2014 (photo by Jillian Souza)

The Sea Dogs take a three-day break from Maine, opening up a three-game series on Tuesday night against the New Britain Rock Cats (Twins affiliate) at New Britain Stadium.

RHP Mike Augliera makes the start for the Sea Dogs in the series opener, he has both Double-A wins against New Britain…LHP Taylor Rogers has struggled in both starts against Portland, going 0-2, 9.72 ERA (9 ER/8.1 IP) in 2 starts against Portland.

SHORT JOURNEY AWAY: The Sea Dogs take a break from Maine for only three days, opening up a three-game series against the New Britain Rock Cats (Twins affiliate) at New Britain Stadium on Tuesday night…By winning Sunday, the ‘Dogs took 3 of 4 from the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, and own the best record in the Eastern League…Portland makes their second attempt this week to 11 games .500 for the first time since August 20, 2008 when they were 69-58…The ‘Dogs are 7-1-3 in series in 2014.

CAN WE GET MUCH HEIKER: 3B Heiker Meneses capped off a four-run rally in the bottom of the ninth inning, delivering a walk-off RBI single, as the Sea Dogs beat the Fisher Cats 13-12 on Mother’s Day…Portland had a multi-hit game from seven of nine, including the top 5 hitters in the lineup – who combined to reach base 20 times…SS Deven Marrero reached base five times, going 3-for-4 with 3 runs scored…DH Carlos Rivero (3-for-5), 1B Travis Shaw (2-for-4, HR) and C Matt Spring all had 3 RBI…LHP Robby Scott worked a scoreless ninth inning to notch his fourth win of the season.

#MOOKIE MADNESS:2B Mookie Betts went 2-for-4 and reached base four times on Sunday…The Tennessee native has reached base safely in all 32 Double-A starts (17 multi-hit games)…The first-year Sea Dog has reached base safely in 62 straight regular season games dating back to August 2, 2013, but 67 including last year’s Carolina League playoffs…His 17-game hitting streak from April 9-30 was the longest since OF Bret Ronenberg’s 18-game hitting streak from April 27-May 15, 2004…Betts’ .396 average is the highest in Minor League Baseball…he’s also reached safely in 126 of his last 136 games (dating back to May 5, 2013).

DON’T LEAVE THIS GUY OUT: OF Henry Ramos went 3-for-6 on Sunday with an RBI double and a run scored…Ramos has hit safely in 20 of his last 23 games: 35-for-91 (.385), 2 HR, 18 RBI, 3B, 5 doubles and reached base safely in 29 of 33 games.

SUPER SHAW: After hitting .114 (4-for-35) through the first 10 games of the season, Shawis hitting .368 (32-for-87) with 6 HRs, 26 RBI and 13 extra-base hits since April 18.

Henry Ramos is has hit safely in 20 of his last 23 games: 35-for-91 (.385)…(Photo by Jillian Souza)

The Sea Dogs return home after a 4-3 roadtrip, and open up a four-game series against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays affiliate) at Hadlock Field. Tonight features an amazing game one pitching match-up, as Top Pitching Prospects face-off. LHP Henry Owens (3-2, 3.89) looks to snap a two-game losing streak against New Hampshire’s RHP Aaron Sanchez (1-1, 2.55). Owens is the #2 overall prospect behind Xander Bogaerts, but Sanchez is the #1 overall prospect in Toronto’s system – this is all according to Baseball America.

Tonight is the NFL Draft and it couldn’t have worked out better for tonight’s special first pitch. New England Patriots RB Shane Vereen will toss out the first pitch and sign autographs.

Tweet from the Pats RB earlier

Shane Vereen@ShaneVereen34Throwing out the first pitch tonight at the Portland Sea Dogs game!!! … This could get interesting

Make sure to follow Slugger on Twitter (@Slugger_SeaDog) for his blog and his journey from Fenway Park to Hadlock Field…Slugger arrived today. We’re so proud of him.

We welcome Shane Vereen to Hadlock Field.

Carlos Guevaraof X-Factor Season 3 will be on hand to welcome Slugger back.

Let’s not forget Mookie Madness – Betts homered yesterday and has reached base safely in 59 straight regular season games dating back to August 2, 2013, but 64 including last year’s Carolina League playoffs.

(MORE ON MOOKIE) Betts is a nephew of Terry Shumpert, who played parts of 14 seasons with the Kansas City Royals, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres,Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Betts has attributed his nickname Mookie to his parents watching former NBA guard Mookie Blaylock play basketball shortly after Betts was born. Betts has stated he has never met Blaylock.

Pre-Game begins at 5:40 OM on 95.9/95.5 and the U.S. Cellular Sea Dogs Radio Network…Listen online at seadogs.com.

FIRST OF A FEW: Tonight the Sea Dogs open up a four-game weekend series against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays affiliate) – the first of 22 meetings between the East Coast rivals…Portland returns home after a 4-3 roadtrip, and has not lost a road series this season (3-0-3)…Last year, the Sea Dogs won the season-series from New Hampshire, taking 13 of 24 and six of 10 at Hadlock Field…LHP Henry Owens has lost two straight starts, giving up nine runs in his last 11 IP.

DECIDED IN THE SIXTH: Reading scored six runs in the sixth inning to beat the Sea Dogs, 8-3, on Wednesday morning at FirstEnergy Stadium…Portland’s runs came on two solo-homers by Henry Ramos and Mookie Betts’ big fly to lead-off the game…Ramos’ homers were the first 2 in Double-A…Reading had five players with a multi-hit game, receiving a two-run homer by Lars Davis and 2 RBI from Aaron Altherr…LHP Hoby Milner tossed seven strong innings on six hit and two runs to earn the win…Derrik Gibson and Heiker Meneses each had two hits in the loss.

#MOOKIE MADNESS:Betts went 1-for-4 with his fifth homer of the season in the roadtrip finale…The Tennessee native has reached base safely in all 29 Double-A starts (16 multi-hit games)…The first-year Sea Dog has reached base safely in 59 straight regular season games dating back to August 2, 2013, but 64 including last year’s Carolina League playoffs…His 17-game hitting streak from April 9-30 was the longest since OF Bret Ronenberg’s 18-game hitting streak from April 27-May 15, 2004…Betts’ .402 average is the highest in Minor League Baseball…he’s also reached safely in 123 of his last 133 games (dating back to May 5, 2013).

#MookieMadness…Betts is leading minor league baseball with a .402 average.

BIG SHOCKER: Betts was named the Eastern League Player of the Month on Tuesday after leading Minor League Baseball with a .430 average in April…He’s the 12th player in franchise history to win the award and the first since OF Juan Carlos Linares took home the honors last August…On Monday, RHP Mike McCarthy was named the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week, going 2-0, 0.00 ERA in 2 starts.

OH HENRY:Yesterday was the second career multi-homer game for Ramos, and the first by a Sea Dog since Linares blasted two homers against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats on August 26…Ramoshas hit safely in 17 of his last 19 games: 29-for-74 (.392), 2 HR, 15 RBI, triple and 5 doubles.

The Sea Dogs open up a three-game series on Monday night against the Reading Fightin Phils from First Energy Stadium. RHP Keith Couch makes his second straight start against RHP Mike Nesseth. Couch is 4-0, 2.48 ERA in 5 starts this season.

Portland won the final two games in Binghamton, earning a split of the four-game series…The ‘Dogs are 2-0-3 in road series this season. On Opening Night, they won a rain-shortened 6-inning game over Reading 5-0. Mookie Betts (see notes for Mookie Madness) led off the season with a homer and Henry Owens tossed a no-hitter.

Make sure to follow Slugger on Twitter (@Slugger_SeaDog) as he continues his 114-mile walk from Fenway Park to Hadlock Field. Slugger walked 23 miles yesterday! Keep up the good work.

WHERE IT ALL STARTED: Portland opened the 2014 season in Reading, PA, and begins a three-game series on Monday night at First Energy Stadium…On Opening Night, Mookie Betts began the season with a homer and LHP Henry Owens tossed a 6-inning no-hitter (Portland win a 5-0, rain-shortened contest)…The Sea Dogs split a four-game series to begin this trip, and have not lost a road series this season: 2-0-3…RHP Keith Couch makes his third start this season against Reading, he’s 12-1, 2.85 ERA in 20 career Double-A starts.

MCCARTHY AND RAMOS LEAD THE WAY: RHP Mike McCarthy (2-2) earned his second straight win, hurling six innings, as the ‘Dogs beat the B-Mets 4-1 on Sunday afternoon at NYSEG Stadium…McCarthy gave up an unearned run in the fifth, yielded five hits, two walks and fanned six (season-high)…RF Henry Ramos picked up his second 4-hit game of the season and drove in the final run in the eighth…2B Mookie Betts and 3B Heiker Meneses delivered RBI singles…RHP Noe Ramirez worked two scoreless frames of relief to earn a hold and RHP Miguel Celestino stranded two in the ninth to grab his second save of the year.

#MOOKIE MADNESS:Betts went 2-for-5 with an RBI yesterday, with both hits in his first 2 at-bats…The Tennessee native has reached base safely in all 26 Double-A starts (15 multi-hit games)…The first-year Sea Dog has reached base safely in 56 straight regular season games dating back to August 2, 2013, but 61 including last year’s Carolina League playoffs…His 17-game hitting streak from April 9-30 was the longest since OF Bret Ronenberg’s 18-game hitting streak from April 27-May 15, 2004…Betts’ .405 average is the 2nd highest in Minor League Baseball behind T.J. Rivera of the St. Lucie Mets.

HONORS FOR WINNING 2: McCarthy was named Eastern League Pitcher of the Week (April 28-May 4) for going 2-0, 0.00 ERA (0 ER/12.0 IP) in starts against Reading and Binghamton…The righty gave up two hits, two walks and fanned eight, earning his first 2 wins of the season.

Brian Johnson won his Double-A debut on Saturday. He’ll start when the ‘Dogs return home (photo courtesy of Gordon Donovan)

TRAVIS LIKES NEW YORK: Shaw left Maine with only one double, but collected four straight multi-hit games in Binghamton: 9-for-14 (.643), 3 RBI but had 5 doubles…Shaw’s last 14 games: 26-for-61 (.426), 4 HR, 17 RBI.

HE ALSO HAS TWO: Ramos tied a career-high with his second Double-A 4-hit game on Sunday…The first-year Sea Dog has hit safely in 15 of his last 16 games.

Keith Couch is 3-0, 2.42 ERA in 4 starts this season, but 11-1 in his Double-A career as a starter (Photo by Kelly O’Connor).

BACK ON TRACK: The Sea Dogs improved to 2-2 on the homestand with last night’s victory and continue their four-game set against the Reading Fightin Phils on Tuesday night at Hadlock Field…With last night’s win, the ‘Dogs clinched a winning record at home for April…RHP Keith Couch makes his fifth start of the season and the 20th (34th overall appearance) of his Double-A career…Couch is 11-1, 2.86 ERA (36 ER/113.1 IP) as a starter in Portland…Last night was Portland’s 100th career win against Reading.

MIKE SET THE PACE: RHP Mike McCarthy (1-2) retired 18 of 21 batters faced over six scoreless innings and Portland scored five runs early off LHP Jesse Biddle (2-3), taking the series opener from Reading 8-6…McCarthy hurled three perfect innings before a lead single by 2B Carlos Alonzo, and scattered three hits, no walks and fanned two…2B Mookie Betts and SS Deven Marrero each walked three times and reached base safely in four trips…1B Travis Shaw added a two-run single, with Marrero, Carlos Rivero and Stefan Welch adding run-scoring hits.

MOOKIE MADNESS:Betts went 1-for-2 and reached base four times on Monday night…The Tennessee native has a team high, 15-game hitting streak and has reached base safely in all 20 Double-A starts (11 multi-hit games)…The first-year Sea Dog has reached base safely in 50 straight regular season games dating back to August 2, 2013, but 55 including last year’s Carolina League playoffs…The 15-game hit streak is the longest since OF Chih-Hsian Chiang’s 16-game hitting streak from July 15, 2011 until his promotion to Pawtucket.

THEY DID RALLY BACK: Portland built an 8-0 lead last night, but Reading scored six times off RHP Kyle Kraus (first appearance this season with Portland) and RHP Aaron Kurcz…Kurcz gave up two runs, but stranded two in the ninth to earn his first save of the season.

TWO OUT MAGIC: Portland scored six of eight runs last night two outs and 16 of their last 18 (89%) runs on the homestand have been scored with two down…This season, the ‘Dogs have scored 51 of their 129 runs (40%) with two outs and are hitting .307 (27-for-88) with runners-in-scoring position and two-out.

MARVELOUS MCCARTHY: McCarthy earned his second Double-A win on Monday night…It marked the fourth time that the righty had gone 6+ shutout innings…Twice he has delivered 7 scoreless (8/28/13, 8/2/12) and one other time 6 shutout innings (7/23/12).

The Sea Dogs have won six straight (season-high) and continue their six-game roadtrip on Wednesday night against the Binghamton Mets from NYSEG Stadium. Right-hander Keith Couch (3-0, 2.20) makes his fourth start of the season, but the 19th of his Double-A career, he is 11-1, 2.82 ERA. Last night was Portland’s fifth postponement this season – they’ll have four doubleheaders in May, but four against Binghamton.

How about Mookie Betts… Has reached base safely in all 15 Double-A starts and 45 straight regular season games dating back to August 2, 2013, but 50 including last year’s Carolina League playoffs…Last 142 games for Betts (start of 2013): .330 (173-for-524), 17 HR, 72 RBI, 113 RS, 43 2B, 5 3B, 88 BB, 64 SO and 45 of 50 in SB.

Betts leads the Eastern League in: Average, On-Base Percentage, runs scored and tied for total bases.

Here’s some nuggets on the team

With a win tonight, Portland will have their longest win streak since a 7-gamer last April 27-May 4

‘Dogs have won six straight road games – longest since 2011.

Portland’s 12-4 start is their best since going 13-3 in 2008…The team’s best start is 19-3 in 1995 – Billy McMillon was on that team.

12-4 mark is tied for the 2nd best overall record with Las Vegas (Triple-A) and Visalia (High-A)…The Dunedin Blue Jays (High-A) have the best record in minor league baseball at 15-4 (.789).

Matt Spring hit his 80th professional homer on Tuesday night…Congrats Matt (photo courtesy of Kelly O’Connor by Sitting Still Photography)

THAT MAKES FIVE: Portland was postponed for the fifth time in 21 days to start the season, and conclude their six-game roadtrip on Thursday night against the Binghamton Mets from NYSEG Stadium…The Sea Dogs have won six straight and 10 of their last 11 – the 12-4 mark is their best start since going 13-3 to begin the 2008 campaign…The ‘Dogs have also won six straight road games for the first time since 2011…RHP Keith Couch (3-0, 2.20) makes his fourth start of the season and the 19th of his Double-A career (11-1, 2.82 in 18 starts).

IT’S SPRING TIME: DH Matt Spring clubbed his first homer of the season, a two-run homer in the 11th inning, lifting the Sea Dogs to a 5-3 win over the B-Mets on Tuesday night…Portland’s bullpen tossed 5.2 scoreless on 4 hits, 3 walks and 9 strikeouts…LHP Robby Scott (2-0) earned the win, fanning three batters on 2 hits over 3 IP…RHP Jon Velasquez (0-2) took the loss, yielding a lead-off single in the 11th to Henry Ramos and the two-run blast by Spring.

MOOKIE MADNESS: 2B Mookie Betts went 2-for-4 (two walks) on Tuesday and has reached base safely in all 15 Double-A starts and 45 straight regular season games dating back to August 2, 2013, but 50 including last year’s Carolina League playoffs…Last 142 games for Betts (start of 2013): .330 (173-for-524), 17 HR, 72 RBI, 113 RS, 43 2B, 5 3B, 88 BB, 64 SO and 45 of 50 in SB…C Blake Swihart has reached base safely in his first 13 starts in Double-A…OF Shannon Wilkerson has reached base safely in his last 14 games.

GOT OFF TO A GOOD START: RHP Mike McCarthy made his third start of the season on Tuesday night, working 5.1 innings on seven hits and three runs…McCarthy left the game after 1B Jayce Boyd’s run-scoring single to tie the game…SS Deven Marrero gave Portland a 3-1 lead with a two-run single in the fifth.

WELCOME BACK: RHP Aaron Kurcz was activated from the disabled on Monday, and pitched a scoreless eighth inning in game two of the series…The righty fanned the side and allowed one hit…Kurcz missed all of last season due to Tommy John surgery, and had not pitched since July 21, 2012 at New Hampshire.

THREE WAS THE MAGIC NUMBER: Kurcz, McCarthy, RHP Michael Olmsted and Scott each fanned three in Tuesday’s game…Olmsted worked 1.2 innings on one hit, one walk and retired the final two batters in the sixth inning with two runners on base.

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